The Hibiscus Coast received significant news today as Auckland Council reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the 999-year encumbrance on the Gulf Harbour Country Club (GHCC) golf course.

The encumbrance mandates that the land be exclusively used as a golf course and country club, preventing any potential housing development.

Phil Wilson, Council CEO, confirmed in a letter to Long River Investments Ltd., the company owning the GHCC land, that the Council supports maintaining the encumbrance.

This decision reflects the overwhelming support from the Whangaparāoa community to preserve the green space.

"Council's support is a major development," said Howard Baldwin, spokesperson for Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS). "This reflects the community's strong desire to stop any housing development on the golf course land."

In addition to the encumbrance, the Council has invoiced Long River approximately $200,000 for demolition work on the clubhouse buildings destroyed by recent fires and demands compliance with the encumbrance's terms, including maintaining the golf course and removing freedom campers.

KWGS expressed concerns that Long River might apply for housing consent under the government’s Fast Track Approval legislation.

They have written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and several ministers, urging them to deny any such application, citing the encumbrance as a reason to defer decisions to Auckland Council.

KWGS plans to inform the US-based equity company funding Long River and other mortgagees of the Council's stance, considering it a significant step towards restoring the iconic golf course to its former glory.